A Filipino in Abu Dhabi is helping carve a path towards greener pastures for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by opening a school that aims to enhance their skills and give them better opportunities.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Global Torch Institute Founder and CEO Rey Santos Gabayan said he is happy that he became an instrument to help fellow Filipinos. After all, helping one Pinoy means helping not only him, but his family as well.
“Five years ago, I was just a student. That’s why I built this school. I know and I believe that helping one kababayan is considered helping 10 Filipinos because these kababayans that I helped before also have son, daughter, mother, father, and siblings, and relatives as well and for that, I am really thanking God for using me as an instrument to help other kababayans of us,” Rey told ABS-CBN.
From catering to 100 students in 2021, he now has a Global Torch Institute with over 5,000 students from around the world, including America, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
“Before, they were housemaids, katulongs, or yayas. Now, they are working in healthcare facilities. Others are in hospitals and others are in homecares,” he also said.
One of the Filipinos who graduated from the school recently is Ricky Ferrer who is now a certified nursing assistant.
“Ito ay nagsisilbing stepping stone para mabigay ko ang magandang kinabukasan para sa kanila (pamilya),” he explained.
Another graduate is Leslie Rapata, who is now looking forward to trying her luck in other countries.
“Ang trabaho ko po dati is a nanny so kinuha ko po ang kursong CNA para sa pamilya ko at para maka-abroad in other countries like Canada,” Leslie said.
Meanwhile, netizens have expressed their gratitude to Sir Rey.
“Praise the Lord in your life, Sir Rey because God uses you to be a blessing to all our kababayans and other nationalities. God bless you more and God bless Global Torch Institute!”
Watch the full interview here.